Responsive Design

seo-technique beginner

Definition

A web design approach where the layout automatically adapts to the user's screen size.

Responsive design is a web design approach that allows a site to automatically adapt to all screen sizes (desktop, tablet, smartphone). It uses CSS media queries, flexible grids, and adaptive images. Google recommends responsive design as the preferred mobile solution because it uses a single URL per page, facilitating indexing. With mobile-first indexing, a non-responsive site risks losing positions in search results.

Adaptive design Responsive web design Mobile-friendly design

Key Points

  • Google's recommended solution for mobile adaptation
  • Uses CSS media queries, flexible grids, and adaptive images
  • One URL per page, simplifying indexing and sharing

Practical Examples

CSS media queries

A site uses media queries to reorganize its grid into 3 columns on desktop, 2 on tablet, and 1 on mobile, providing optimal readability everywhere.

Adaptive images

The picture tag with srcset serves images of different sizes depending on screen resolution, saving bandwidth on mobile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not technically mandatory, but strongly recommended. With Google's mobile-first indexing, a non-mobile-optimized site will be penalized in rankings.

Responsive uses fluid grids that adapt continuously. Adaptive design uses fixed layouts for specific breakpoints. Google recommends responsive.

Go Further with LemmiLink

Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.

Last updated: 2026-02-07